She was used as a human shield by the lone surviving assailant who took her hostage following a forceful takeover bank robbery and hourlong pursuit that traveled to Lodi and back again.

"On July 16, Misty Holt-Singh went to the bank and did not get to come home," a somber Jones told the media in an effort to keep the community informed and be as transparent as several ongoing investigations into the horrendous events of that day will allow.

Holt-Singh, 41, a Stockton wife and mother of two, was taken hostage along with two other women that day during a robbery by three armed assailants at the now-closed Bank of the West branch on Thornton Road.

She was found dead an hour later at the conclusion of what the chief described as "a rolling active shooter incident constantly putting people in danger."

It was, Jones said, "not a vehicle pursuit. It was much more than that."

Jones constantly reminded the media that his remarks were from preliminary reports, but he felt it was necessary to make this key information public at this time.

"I have a duty and a responsibility as a community leader and police chief to provide some information today. Our preliminary investigation shows that Misty Holt-Singh died from shots fired by police officers," he said.

"Singh's injuries show the cowardice of the surviving bank robbery suspect who is now in custody," he said, referring to 19-year-old Jaime Ramos, who was not wounded during the gunbattle with police.

Jones met Sunday with Holt-Singh's husband, Paul Singh, to share that information with the family before making it known publicly.

Speaking for the Singh family, Southern California-based attorney Gregory Bentley said knowing who shot Holt-Singh leads to more questions.

"The Singh family was saddened to receive the ballistic information concerning Misty's death. The manner in which Misty's life was taken raises serious questions and concerns. The family is hopeful, however, that the promised information, policies and procedures concerning the events of July 16 will be provided so that a fair, complete, and transparent investigation can take place," Bentley said in a prepared statement. He declined further comment.

On Thursday, Bentley issued requests for incident reports, 911 calls, radio traffic, photos, videos and other evidence documenting the incident from four different law enforcement agencies: Stockton and Lodi police, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol.

He also wants copies of protocols those agencies use for kidnappings, pursuits and the use of deadly force.

Jones said during the entire incident, 33 officers used their weapons - most during the final gunbattle - firing more than 600 rounds of ammunition.

Jones said the assailants - Ramos, Alex Gregory Martinez, 27, and Gilbert Renteria Jr., 30 - were extremely violent men who attempted to kill his officers "very early on. The violent incident was never contained." The heavily armed Martinez and Renteria were killed in the final gunbattle on Thornton Road near Otto Drive.

"We believe July 16, 2014, brought dynamics never before seen in law enforcement," he said, describing the assailants' attempt to wait in ambush for pursuing officers who had backed off and actually lost sight of their fleeing vehicle.

The assailants fired at least 100 bullets during the incident, Jones said, not even half of their ammunition supply. They were found with more than 200 unspent rounds when the shooting stopped, he said.

Jones also revealed that the AK 47-style assault rifle used by the assailants was traced to several earlier crimes in Stockton, including an unspecified gang-related homicide from several years ago.

Jones also urged anyone with information on the fourth person involved who dropped off the three assailants at the bank that day to "come forward with actionable information," reminding them of the $50,000 reward.

He said law enforcement agencies from around California and the nation have contacted him regarding the incident, all hoping to learn from it and some offering assistance in an external review process.

"We are looking at everything from A to Z," Jones said. "It is important to know that this was unique from the very beginning. This was not a normal bank robbery."

During his concluding remarks, Jones said, "My personal belief is the assailants were intent on killing people."

Jones, as he has done consistently every time he speaks of the events of July 16, reminded the public of the "unspeakable human tragedy" at the heart of the incident.

"My thoughts are with the family. ... My thoughts go out to the others involved. Every member of our department is deeply saddened. ... Every one of us wishes this tragedy had ended differently."

Contact reporter Joe Goldeen at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com. Follow him at recordnet.com/goldeenblog and on Twitter @JoeGoldeen.